A CHARITY dedicated to saving abandoned exotic pets is launching a fundraising drive next week.
The Reptile Trust, based at Burnopfield, near Stanley, hopes to raise thousands of pounds by selling pin badges. The money will help pay for the cost of its work, which is increasing as owners tire of pets such as lizards, snakes and iguanas.
On Saturday, November 18, Wendy Turner Webster, a presenter on TV's Pet Rescue and sister of Anthea Turner, will launch the appeal at the Milburngate Shopping Centre in Durham, between 2pm and 5pm. From Monday, the trust will have a display in the centre about some of the creatures it cares for.
Trust director Peter Heathcote said: "We have taken in 1,200 reptiles and re-homed 1,000.
"This is our first appeal. It's a national one, and we are hoping to raise £2,000 in the first two weeks alone. All the money raised will go back to the charity. On Saturday, people will be able to come along and meet Wendy Turner Webster and see some of the reptiles we are looking after."
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